Important Exams | Careeravancer

EXAMS FOR STUDY ABROAD

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is an international test to check the English language proficiency for non-native English language speakers and is required for admissions to many colleges and universities in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and many other countries. Other than academic purpose, one also takes this exam for immigration and employment opportunities.

Conducting Authority

Educational Testing Service (ETS), US

Time Limit

4 and a half hours

Total Points

0-120 Points

Sections of TOEFL

Reading
- Time Limit - 60-80 minutes
- Score : 0-30

Listening
- Time Limit - 60-90 minutes
- Score : 0-30
Speaking
- Time Limit - 20 minutes
- Score : 0-30
Writing
- Time Limit - 50 minutes
- Score : 0-30

TOEFL Eligibility Criteria

TOEFL is a language proficiency test that is given by those who want to study abroad. There is no specific eligibility criteria prescribed by ETS. Since it is given by students who aspire to get an admission in universities, colleges or educational institutions abroad, those who have passed out high school or equivalent give this exam.

TOEFL Score Validity

2 years

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

IELTS is one of the most popular English Language Tests taken by study abroad aspirants.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is required to be written by international applicants for testing English language proficiency. IELTS exam is considered as one of the primary language ability markers for international candidates to study or work in foreign land. Countries like USA, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand need IELTS exam scores as proof of language proficiency.

Conducting Authority

IELTS exam is conducted by Cambridge ESOL, the British Council and IDP: IELTS Australia

Test Pattern

You can choose between the Academic or General Training versions of the test. All candidates go through the same Listening and Speaking sections.

Time Limit

2 hours and 45 minutes

Bands

1 - 9

Sections of IELTS

Reading
- Time Limit - 60 minutes
- Different for Academic and General Training
Listening
- Time Limit - 30 minutes
- 4 Sections
Speaking
- Time Limit - 15 minutes
- Through a personal interview
Writing
- Time Limit - 60 minutes
- Different for Academic and General Training

IELTS Eligibility Criteria

There is no specific eligibility criteria prescribed. Since it is given by students who aspire to get an admission in universities, colleges or educational institutions abroad, those who have passed out high school or equivalent give this exam.

IELTS Score Validity

2 years

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)

SAT is an international standardized test required for admission into most of the colleges in the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Singapore and Canada. SAT is developed and published by the College Board. There is no criteria that one needs to fulfill to sit for SAT. You are allowed to sit for the SAT as long as you have a valid government issued photo ID to present at the test center.

Conducting Authority

Administered by Educational Testing Services worldwide on behalf of the College Board in over 25,000 test centers across 192 countries.

Time Limit

3 hours

Total Points

0-120 Points

Sections of SAT

Reading
- Time Limit - 65 minutes

Mathematics
- Time Limit - 80 minutes (55 minutes calculator option & 25 minutes no calculator option)
Writing
- Time Limit - 35 minutes
Essay Writing
- Time Limit - 50 minutes

SAT Eligibility Criteria

The College Board has not set up any SAT eligibility criteria as far as age limit is concerned. There is no minimum or maximum age limit as well set by the conducting body for aspirants wanting to register for SAT. However, students need to have successfully passed their high school to seek admission for undergraduate studies. The highest number of students that have appeared for SAT belong to the age group of 17-19 years.

SAT Score Validity

2 years

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

This test is the number 1 choice for For MBA aspirants looking to study abroad. It is an admissions test for top B-schools and management schools across the globe. It tests the skills needed in business & management such as problem-solving, critical & logical reasoning, analytical writing etc. GMAT is a compulsory part of the admission process of more than 21,000 universities/colleges in 114 countries. Average GMAT scores are in the range of 570-580. For top schools, a score of at least 700 is needed. If a candidate is not satisfied with his GMAT Result, they can retake GMAT Exam
However, a candidate can appear for GMAT 5 times only in one year i.e. duration of 12 months.

Conducting Authority

Graduate Management Admission Council.

Time Limit

3 hours and 30 minutes

Total Score

200-800

Sections of GMAT

Analytical Writing Assement
- Time Limit - 30 minutes
Integrated Reasoning
- Time Limit - 30 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning
- Time Limit - 62 minutes
Verbal Reasoning
- Time Limit - 65 minutes

GMAT Eligibility Criteria

As GMAT is taken by MBA aspirants, candidates should have a Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognised university or institute for appearing for GMAT. However, candidates belonging to 13 to 17 years of age should submit parents'/guardians' permission while registering for GMAT.

GMAT Score Validity

5 years

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is another popular examination among Indian students aspiring to study in the USA, Canada, and thousands of graduate and business schools around the world. It measures the verbal, mathematical and general analytical skills of the candidate. Individuals applying to graduate schools, especially in USA, in order to pursue a Master of Science (MS) or MBA are required to take the exam. The GRE is a computer based exam which is administered at Prometric testing centers.

Conducting Authority

Educational Testing Service (ETS), US

Time Limit

3 hours and 30 minutes

Total Score

200-800

Types of GRE

General GRE
GRE Subject Test

Sections of GRE

The GRE General Test assesses candidates in following areas:

Analytical Writing
- Time Limit - 60 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning
- Time Limit - 70 minutes (Computer Based)
  80 minutes (Paper Based)
Verbal Reasoning
- Time Limit - 60 minutes (Computer Based)
  70 minutes (Paper Based)
Unscored
Time Limit - Varies
Research
Time Limit - Varies

GRE Eligibility Criteria

There are no specific eligibility criteria for the GRE exam. Anyone can register for this exam, irrespective of age or qualifications. The only thing that a candidate is required to keep in mind is the fact that he/she would be required to produce their original passport as proof of identity at the exam center, so candidates are required to have a valid passport before they register for the GRE exam. ETS has not specified any minimum qualification required to appear for GRE. However, candidates are expected to possess a graduate degree in any discipline from a recognized university, as a GRE score is used for admission to postgraduate programs.

GRE Score Validity

5 years

American College Test (ACT)

The ACT 2020 test is an international standardised test which is primarily for undergraduate admission to US universities and is administered by ACT. The ACT test scores are also accepted by All four-year universities in the US, and more than 200 universities outside of the US. The ACT 2020 test has no specific eligibility criteria for prospective candidates as an individual of any age above 13 years can sit for the ACT 2020 test. A prospective candidate needs to meet the eligibility criteria to the individual college or university to which he or she will apply to through ACT scores.

Time Limit

4 hours

Sections of ACT

English
- Time Limit - 45 minutes
Maths
- Time Limit - 60 minutes
Reading
- Time Limit - 35 minutes
Science
- Time Limit - 35 minutes
Writing (Optional)
- Time Limit - 40 minutes

ACT Eligibility Criteria

There are no specific ACT eligibility criteria mentioned by the exam conducting authority; the ACT Test can be attempted by people of all ages and grade levels. However, students need to meet the ACT requirements set by individual intuitions/colleges/universities that they are applying to. Additionally, a candidate is eligible to give the ACT test a maximum of 12 times.

ACT Score Validity

5 years

Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

The LSAT is for prospective law school candidates who want to study in the United States, Canada and other countries for international education in Legal Studies. The LSAT is conducted on fixed predefined dates 4 times a year throughout the world at various different testing centres.

Conduction Authority

Law School Admission Council (LSAC)

Time Limit

3 hours 30 minutes

Sections of ACT

Reading Comprehension
- Time Limit - 35 minutes
Analytical Reasoning
- Time Limit - 35 minutes
Logical Reasoning (2 Sections)
- Time Limit - 70 minutes
Variable Section
- Time Limit - 35 minutes
Writing
- Time Limit - 35 minutes

LSAT Eligibility Criteria

LSAC has not given a specific eligibility criteria for LSAT. Although, candidates must make sure to meet the eligibility criteria specified by the particular college a candidate is interested in applying to. As per a general eligibility requirement goes, candidates are required to have completed their undergraduate program.

LSAT Score Validity

5 years

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized MCQ type test which is conducted to test the student’s problem solving ability, critical thinking, and knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social science concepts and principles prerequisite to the study of medicine. The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is required to be taken for admissions to undergraduate course in medicine in nearly all medical schools in USA, Canada, and 18 other countries. Designed by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the MCAT is a multiple-choice examination to assess problem-solving, critical thinking and writing skills. It also tests knowledge of science concepts and principles which are a must for the study of medicine.

Conduction Authority

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)

Time Limit

4 hours

Sections of ACT

Physical Reasoning
- Time Limit - 35 minutes
Verbal Reasoning
- Time Limit - 60 minutes
Biological Sciences
- Time Limit - 70 minutes
Trial Section
- Time Limit - 45 minutes

LSAT Eligibility Criteria

LSAC has not given a specific eligibility criteria for LSAT. Although, candidates must make sure to meet the eligibility criteria specified by the particular college a candidate is interested in applying to. As per a general eligibility requirement goes, candidates are required to have completed their undergraduate program.

LSAT Score Validity

5 years